minesweeper

[ mahyn-swee-per ]

noun

, Navy.

1. a specially equipped ship used for dragging a body of water in order to remove or destroy enemy mines.

minesweeper

/ ˈmaɪnˌswiːpə /

noun

1. a naval vessel equipped to detect and clear mines

Derived Forms

• ˈmineˌsweeping, noun

Other Words From

• minesweeping noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of minesweeper¹

First recorded in 1900–05; mine ² + sweeper

Example Sentences

Royal Australian Navy destroyers, minesweepers, planes, helicopters and a number of other vessels launched a massive search, as rescue crews also combed the shore for any sign of survivors.

From BBC

He was one of about 150,000 allied troops who took part in the Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944 - serving as a quartermaster on a minesweeper.

From BBC

Both are specialist minesweeper vessels, helping ensure the safe flow of trade through the waters, the Royal Navy said.

From BBC

The yard was building hospital ships and minesweepers in 1917 when King George V became the first of many royal visitors over the years.

From BBC

“We talked about the possibility of having a deal about some submarines. We were talking about the two minesweepers which are already on the way to Indonesia,” Pistorius said.

From Washington Times